Why Barad-dûr’s Fall Did Not Erase Every Fortress of Mordor The Dark Tower of Barad-dûr was one of the most terrifying symbols in Middle-earth: a black fortress rising above the plains of Mordor, built and rebuilt through the long centuries of Sauron’s return. When the One Ring was destroyed in the fires of Orodruin, Barad-dûr … Read more
Before Elves ever opened their eyes beneath the stars, before Men awoke in the East, the Ainur had already seen them. That sounds, at first, like almost perfect foreknowledge. In the Ainulindalë, Ilúvatar reveals to the Ainur a Vision in which the history of the World unfolds before them. They behold Arda, the habitation prepared … Read more
When the War of the Ring ends, Minas Tirith is battered but alive. Its Great Gate has been destroyed, parts of its defenses have suffered, and many of its people have endured siege, fire, fear, and loss. Yet it remains a functioning city. It still has streets, houses, walls, a Citadel, a population, and—most importantly—a … Read more
Húrin Thalion survives something almost no mortal Man could have endured. After the disaster of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, he is captured alive and brought before Morgoth. He refuses to betray the location of Gondolin, defies the Dark Lord to his face, and is condemned to witness the ruin of his family under Morgoth’s curse. Yet … Read more
When Aragorn was crowned King Elessar, he did not inherit two functioning kingdoms. Gondor still had Minas Tirith, provincial lords, armies, roads, a Steward, and an established machinery of government. Arnor had almost none of that. Its ancient capitals were ruins. Its royal line had survived only through the Chieftains of the Dúnedain. Much of … Read more
Andúril hardly seems like a sword that needs improving. It is Narsil remade: the ancient blade of Elendil, broken beneath him in the overthrow of Sauron and preserved through the long centuries by his heirs. Before the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, the sword is forged anew. Its blade bears the Seven Stars between the crescent Moon … Read more
The First Age produced some of the most famous weapons in Middle-earth. Glamdring and Orcrist came from Gondolin. Anglachel became the black sword Gurthang. The Silmarils themselves inspired wars, oaths, betrayals, and some of the greatest tragedies of the Elder Days. Yet one remarkable work associated with Gondolin was remembered for almost the opposite reason. … Read more
Thrór’s Moon-Letters Were More Than a Secret Message — They Required Both Craft and Calendar Knowledge When Elrond holds Thrór’s map up to the moonlight in Rivendell, something appears that Thorin and his companions have been carrying without knowing it was there. The map already shows the Lonely Mountain and marks a hidden entrance. But … Read more
Pippin’s greatest battlefield feat is also the moment he becomes convinced that his own story is over. At the Black Gate of Mordor, Peregrin Took—hobbit of the Shire, Guard of the Citadel, and one of the smallest soldiers in the Host of the West—kills the great troll-chief attacking Beregond. It is an extraordinary achievement. But … Read more
Michel Delving had several things that look suspiciously like the beginnings of a capital. It was the chief township of the Shire. It had the Mathom-house, the office of the Mayor, and public facilities important enough to serve hobbits beyond the immediate neighborhood. The Mayor attached to the town was eventually regarded as the Mayor … Read more